Schefflera

Schefflera, also called umbrella tree, any of several tropical evergreen trees or shrubs, in the ginseng family (Araliaceae), that are widely cultivated as indoor foliage plants because of their tolerance to low light conditions. The genus Schefflera includes the New Zealand seven fingers (S. digitata), which may reach a height of 7.5 m (25 feet), and the Asian S. octophylla, similar in size.

Australian umbrella tree (Schefflera actinophylla).

Fanghong

The most common schefflera is the Australian umbrella tree (S. actinophylla, or Brassaia actinophylla), which can grow up to 12 m. It is widely used as a landscape tree in Hawaii and other warm areas and is also one of the most popular indoor plants around the world. A cultivated dwarf species, called Hawaiian schefflera (B. arboricola), is more compact in habit and has smaller leaves.

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Among the many broad-leaved woody evergreens used as houseplants is Brassaia actinophylla, the umbrella tree, better known as Schefflera. Its spreading crowns of palmately divided, glossy green leaves do best in a light and warm location. Another picturesque plant is Polyscias fruticosa, the Ming aralia, with willowy, twisting stems densely clothed toward their tops with...